What is the the Annual Parade?
The City of Temple Annual Christmas Parade is a family-friendly holiday event that has been bringing locals and visitors joy since 1946. The theme changes every year, with this year’s theme being the “It’s a Groovy Christmas” It has become a tradition for the parade to take place on the first Monday in December. The parade features lit, unique displays from over 100 applicants. The parade entrants consist of local business owners, organizations, student groups, and individuals.
On What Day Does the Parade Take Place? What Time Does It Start?
The parade takes place on Monday, December 5th. A special tree lighting ceremony featuring the mayor will take place at 6:15 prior to the start of the parade. The parade starts at 6:30 pm and lasts approximately 90 minutes as all the entrants make their way through the route.
Schedule of Activities
4:00 pm – 6th and 8th Streets closed for parade entries
5:30 pm – Come early to get a great seat in the bleachers in front of City Hall, visit the local shops for some early Christmas shopping, or enjoy a leisurely meal in any of our Downtown restaurants.
5:45 pm– No traffic allowed down Adams Avenue
6:15 pm- Mayor Tim Davis will light the Municipal Building's holiday decorations and the City's Christmas tree located in the municipal parking lot of City Hall (2 N. Main Street).
6:30 pm – Parade begins featuring over 100 illuminated entries. Entries featuring community groups and supporters from around Temple.
Local personalities from around Central Texas on our announcer stands!
The parade takes approximately 90 minutes to traverse the entire route.
7:20 pm– Santa begins his trip down the parade route on a specially designed float.
Where is the Best Place to Watch the Parade?
Visitors and locals can head to the downtown district of Temple to watch the parade. Viewing for the parade is street-side and visitors can watch anywhere along the parade route. Seating is first-come, first-serve. To get the best view, plan to arrive early and bring necessities for comfortable seating throughout the duration of the event.
Where Should Visitors Park?
Visitors can park on street-side parking. Parking will also be available in the City Hall parking lot as well as in various areas downtown such as the Santa Fe Plaza. The Santa Fe Plaza also has a lighted tree located in the heart of the plaza and it a great photo opportunity. Visitors can find plenty of close parking spots in the Santa Fe Plaza area.
KCEN 6 will also Live Stream the parade @ kcentv.com
What Should You Bring With You?
Bring lawn chairs so you have a comfortable spot to sit for the parade. With the cold weather in store, be sure to bring blankets and bundle up to make sure you and your family are warm and cozy for the duration of the event. Visitors should also make sure to bring extra cash. The downtown district is filled with plenty of restaurants and shopping. Visitors can shop around the local area while they wait for the parade to start.
What is the Parade Route?
The parade route has a total distance of 1.4 miles. The parade starts at the intersection of E. Adams Avenue and N. 8th St., then proceeds west along Adams Avenue. The parade then continues in front of the Municipal Building and heads all the way to N. 23rd St. Finally, the parade disbands at Temple High School.
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Parade Map
Safety Tips
The City of Temple takes public safety seriously. Temple Police Department and Temple Fire and Rescue will be on-site, and safety measures will be in place during the event.
Here are a few other safety tips for parade attendees:
- If you have children with you, take a group selfie before heading out. Then, if anyone gets separated, you will have an up-to-date photo of the missing person and what they are wearing.
- Have a meeting place, and make sure everyone knows where to meet in case anyone gets lost. Do not rely on mobile devices since service is not always guaranteed in large crowds. Additionally, phones die.
- Instruct your children to go to a police officer if they become lost.
- Travel in groups to and from parking spots, and be aware of your surroundings.
- Leave nothing of value in plain sight in your car.
- Carry valuables (I.D., keys, cash, etc.) in your front pocket.
- Stay away from and off of the street.
- Place chairs and other items away from the corner of any sidewalks.
- See something, say something. Like any public event, pay attention to your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police.
- Dress for the weather. Bring the right kind of clothes to protect you and your family from the elements.
Who Hosts the Parade?
The City of Temple Parks and Recreation Department hosts the parade every year. Temple Parks and Recreation enjoys overseeing this special, holiday event and arranging details for the parade such as assigning a creative theme and encouraging locals to sign up to be a part of this family-friendly, delightful event.
Entry Information
Entries for the 2022 City of Temple Christmas Parade are currently closed.
Entries for 2023 will the first week of October.
